Wet-milling

Wet-milling

Wet-milling is a process used to grind grain into its constituent parts. It is a method used in the production of various products such as corn syrup, ethanol, and starch. The process involves soaking the grain in a solution, typically water and sulfur dioxide, to soften the kernel and separate the germ, endosperm, and bran.

Process

The wet-milling process begins with the cleaning and conditioning of the grain. This involves removing foreign material and moisture from the grain. The grain is then soaked in a solution to soften the kernel and make it easier to separate the germ, endosperm, and bran.

Once the grain has been soaked, it is then milled. The milling process involves grinding the grain to break it down into its constituent parts. The germ, endosperm, and bran are then separated using a combination of sieving and centrifugation.

The germ is typically used for oil extraction, while the endosperm is used to produce starch and other products. The bran, on the other hand, is often used as a source of fiber in animal feed.

Applications

Wet-milling is used in a variety of industries. In the food industry, it is used to produce corn syrup, a common sweetener, and starch, which is used in a variety of food products. In the biofuel industry, wet-milling is used to produce ethanol, a renewable fuel source.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the main advantages of wet-milling is that it allows for the efficient extraction of valuable components from grain. However, it is a more complex and time-consuming process than dry-milling, and it requires a significant amount of water.

See Also

• Dry-milling
• Grain processing
• Biofuel production

References

• Corn Refiners Association
• National Corn Growers Association
• Renewable Fuels Association

External Links

• Corn Refiners Association
• National Corn Growers Association
• Renewable Fuels Association